Jazz Notes: Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert Relationship Still Fractured?

Star guard Donovan Mitchell may not want a trade after Quin Snyder‘s departure from the Jazz, but he may want a say in the next coach, as suggested by Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Mitchell may also be more likely to want to remain with the Jazz if Rudy Gobert is no longer there.

“Multiple sources say Gobert and Mitchell have never repaired their relationship that hit rock bottom when the pandemic started with each player — Gobert first — testing positive for COVID,” Berman wrote.

While Snyder said he left with good feelings toward his former employer, the Jazz may have some housecleaning to do otherwise.

ESPN reported that Mitchell was “disappointed, unnerved, unsettled” after learning Snyder has decided not to return. 

A separate report, from Salt Lake City radio man Spence Checketts, indicated that Mitchell did not take Snyder’s call to say goodbye. But that report was vehemently shot down by Mitchell on Twitter.

“I choose to leave a lot of what y’all say alone but y’all gon stop blatantly lying on my name… god bless,” Mitchell wrote.

Along with all that, Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant is believed to be among the many candidates in the Jazz coaching search, and as Berman reported, may be a favorite for Mitchell.

“Sources say Utah president Danny Ainge doesn’t really know Bryant and people around the league are skeptical he would hire someone with no head-coaching experience unless Mitchell pushed for it,” Berman wrote. “Mitchell called Bryant, who attended the University of Utah, a ‘brother’ after the Knicks hired him.”

As for Gobert, several opposing teams are believed to be interested, including the Bulls, as we relayed earlier.

Several league sources have told Hoops Wire they believe the Jazz will at least explore Gobert trades this offseason.